Kathy Fuehrer Welch of Hortonville passed away at her home on March 4th, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Kathy Fuehrer Welch was born on October 17th, 1958, in Marshfield, WI to Kathryn (Jean) (McGivern) Fuehrer and Jim Fuehrer. She grew up in Milladore, WI. Kathy was the oldest of four siblings and loved caring for family. Her love of children led her to pursue a degree in teaching from the University of WI-Stevens Point-following in her Great Aunt Helen's footsteps. Kathy went on to teach for eight years in Tomah where her love of teaching at St. Mary's led to her meeting the love of her life, James Welch. They were married Jan. 16, 1993, in Stevens Point, WI. Together they raised two beautiful children, Ben and Katie. They started their young family in Minnesota, living there for a number of years before love of family brought her back to Wisconsin. They first moved to Dale, and then to Hortonville in the late 90's, where she continued her teaching career as a substitute teacher in the Hortonville School District for many years. She enjoyed cooking (and was a superb chef) - especially for her family and friends.  Family get-togethers were important to her and she was always happy to host. Kathy was always ready to step in and help when others needed it. This drive led to her welcoming others to her home, when Ben and Katie were growing up. On Friday nights the Welch house became the place to be, and Kathy found herself the mother to many.

Her faith in God was evident and she shared that faith with her family. As a teenager and young adult she was part of the church choir, taught (and directed) what was known as CCD, and took part in other church activities. Kathy had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening with her family. Kathy loved the holidays, decorating her home with seasonal items, especially at Christmas!

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Jean and Jim Fuehrer, and her brother-in-law Robert (Debra) and father-in-law and mother-in-law John and Kathleen (Marsh) Welch.

Kathy always wanted to be a mother - and then grandmother! She was delighted watching her grandson Aramis grow into his toddler years.

She is survived by her husband of 32 years, James Welch, their son and daughter-in-law Ben and Audrey Welch and grandson Aramis, and their daughter and son-in-law Katie Welch Schmelling and Erik. She is also survived by her sister Joyce Fuehrer-Mancl and her husband Larry, niece Maggie (Payton), and nephew Zachary (Abby); her brother Patrick Fuehrer and his wife Jayne, niece Mckenzie (Brennon), and nephew Jacob;  her brother Jason Fuehrer and his wife Stacy, niece Calista (Kaitlyn), and nephew Liam; and sister-in-law Mary Ferreter and her husband Bill Ferreter.

Kathy was taken far too early and will be greatly missed.

The funeral will be held at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Milladore, WI on Saturday, March 29th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.  The visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.